Friday, April 25, 2014

If you look carefully to the right of the brass candle sconce, you will notice a blank steel wall plate. When the homeowners installed the new sink, the electric sconces that were on either side shifted off center. They were constrained by the mounting requirements for the new sink.

We opted to remove the electric sconces and cover the area with a large mirror. The mirror I had really wasn't wide enough to completely cover the blanks we put over the electrical boxes, so I thought I'd keep an eye out for something that would finish the job.

Eventually, I did comes across something - this pair of brass candle sconces with large enough bases to cover most of the steel blank plates. I paid $10 for the pair.

The candle sconces lend the bathroom sink a nice old-world feel. In fact, so much so that they distract me enough to not notice any remaining steel plate that may show (for the most part).

When Mike was installing the sconce on the right, he said that he could see the steel plate peeking out from the right edge.

I wouldn't have noticed the steel plate unless you mentioned (even then, it's hard to see in those pics.) Love the new old sconces you added to the bathroom. It's fun to see how the rental house has been evolving and becoming more and more you and your home :)

Love the look. It think you solved the problem and gave the bathroom a new look with the mirror and the sconces. As usual you added another lovely touch to your home my friend.Oh and it doesn't matter if you own or rent, it's where you find peace that matters. I said that! Hee heexoxoLisa

Those candle sconces are absolutely gorgeous, I would love to obtain some myself, do you mind telling me where you bought them from please? Do you know if there is somewhere available on line as I am in New Zealand. I am presuming these replacements are not electric.

I have just done up my study, French style and think they might look perfect on the wall behind my desk or otherwise on either side of my bed when I re decorate my bedroom.

I love the hydrangeas! It's not the point, but my eye goes to flowers first. That's such a great deal. Maybe it's almost freeing that you're renting, so you can just completely enjoy a wonderful bargain like this without worrying that it's not 100% perfect.

It looks so beautiful, simple, clean just lovely. I do have a question about the candles and lighting. I see there is an overhead light, does it provide enough light for example a husband shaving and do you burn the candles? This might seem like a silly question but just curious. I look forward to your posts and am thrilled when I see one in my email...thank you for sharing. Mickey

Mickey, I haven't burned the candles for too long as we are rarely up here. The downstairs bath is where we shower and Mike shaves. The overhead is very bright and lights the room well for bed time baths. Best, Catherine

You really have such great taste that I have to ask you a question. I really gravitate toward chrome for sink faucets and shower heads, but love the look of oil rubbed bronze pulls on the cabinets (similar to the handle on your bathroom door). I know that most people will say it's okay to mix metals, but I never see chrome and oil rubbed bronze mixed. You went a step further and added brass to the mix. Would you mix these metals in a home you own? Just wanted to get your advice. Your bathroom looks great!

Dear Kim, I would! I really don't like everything to match really well. The faucets, yes, all the same. But the lighting and door hardware can be different in my opinion. It just looks more evolved and less matchy match (new). Best, Catherine

Hi Catherine,I love your work! I was wondering if you could let us know how you handle storage of bathroom products (shampoo, etc) when you have a clawfoot tub. Right now we have the shampoo bottles on a stool at the end of the tub. Functional, but doesn't look great. What do you do?? Thank you!

Dear Cassandra, In this bathroom, I store those things in the cabinet. The towels are stored on top of the cabinet so the entire cabinet is toiletries, etc. The children's shampoo and toys are typically left on a towel beside the tub! I only pick those up and put them in the cabinet when cleaning. ; ) Catherine